Frances Tiafoe says he is very excited to play Roger Federer in the second round of Miami, so much so that he almost didn't get there.

Tiafoe led by a set and a break in his first-round match in Miami before he began getting nervous about who he could be playing next.

"It's Roger Federer," he said. "This guy has about a million Grand Slams and done everything. I mean, I can’t tell you how excited I am to play. Seeing the draw was probably why being up a set and 4-1 I started rushing.

'Then I started thinking, 'Okay, if I don't get it done, I won't'"

However, the teenager ended up winning in three sets and will now attempt to put his admiration for the 18 Grand Slam champion aside when the two step on court.

"It’s going to be an honor playing Federer, but I’m going to go after him and give it all I’ve got," he said.

"I mean, he’s my idol, everyone’s idol. People still on tour in the locker room stare at him. He’s an absolute legend. We hope he never retires because he’s such a good ambassador for the sport."

Advertising

Frances Tiafoe raves about his idol Roger Federer before their meeting

Frances Tiafoe raves about his idol Roger Federer before their meeting

Starting Tuesday, March 21st, watch Tennis Channel Plus for the biggest WTA matches of the day from the Miami Open!​

Tennis Channel Plus will have 12 straight days of WTA Action, including the Quarters, Semis and Final.

All of the best action — Live and On Demand — on any screen — anywhere — only on Tennis Channel Plus!

Tennis Channel Plus is THE ultimate destination for WTA action in March. Subscribe today at BuyTCPlus.com.